Hard work and dedication are vital in Ms Lynne Althea Richards road to success. The Bachelor of Social Science Honours student is delighted that she is receiving the coveted Maryam Babangida Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded each year to the best female student, proceeding from undergraduate to honours study.

‘It is quite humbling to be acknowledged as the top female student proceeding from undergraduate to postgraduate study. I am also thankful for this opportunity,’ she said.

Althea believes that Merit scholarships nurture a strong work ethic and a competitive academic environment. ‘It is important to acknowledge individuals feats,’ she says. Richards thanks the donors of this scholarship ‘because through their generosity they encourage young women to prosper.’ She also thanked her family and friends for their unwavering support, understanding and prayers as well as her lecturers.

Richards attended Northlands Girls’ High School where she was one of the top learners in five out of seven of her subjects. She obtained academic colours in matric and also held a position on the executive prefect body and the representative council of learners. Richards matriculated with five distinctions overall.

She advised future recipients that ‘hard work never goes unnoticed and individuals should always strive for success.’

Richards plans to serve her community and to make a difference in the lives of other learners by teaching and encouraging them to follow their dreams and pursue their studies further.

She hopes to be accepted into UKZN’s clinical psychology masters programme to qualify as a clinical psychologist. “Proceeding my qualification I hope to work within the public health system. It is a dream of mine to complete my PhD within the next ten years,’ she said.